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Firebomb attacks on three stores Firebomb attacks on three stores
(10 minutes later)
Firebomb attacks have caused a major blaze at a retail park in Boucher Road in Belfast and two city stores.Firebomb attacks have caused a major blaze at a retail park in Boucher Road in Belfast and two city stores.
The Homebase store has been destroyed. More than 70 firefighters are tackling the blaze, which has spread to Reid's furniture store next door.The Homebase store has been destroyed. More than 70 firefighters are tackling the blaze, which has spread to Reid's furniture store next door.
A second fire broke out in Smyth's toystore nearby.A second fire broke out in Smyth's toystore nearby.
Fire officers have also dealt with a blaze at JJB Sports in Ann Street in Belfast City Centre overnight which badly damaged the shop.Fire officers have also dealt with a blaze at JJB Sports in Ann Street in Belfast City Centre overnight which badly damaged the shop.
Keyholders in both areas have been asked to check their premises.Keyholders in both areas have been asked to check their premises.
About 50 jobs at Homebase have been potentially lost as a result of the fire.
Fire crews were called to all three incidents at about 0200 GMT.Fire crews were called to all three incidents at about 0200 GMT.
Group Commander William Cavanagh from the Fire Service said the fire at Boucher Road was extremely serious.Group Commander William Cavanagh from the Fire Service said the fire at Boucher Road was extremely serious.
Divisional Officer Chris Kerr from the Fire Service said the blaze at Boucher road was very dangerous.Divisional Officer Chris Kerr from the Fire Service said the blaze at Boucher road was very dangerous.
"The crews were deployed inside Reid's and we had aerial appliances pumping water above the premises to stop that fire from spreading," he said."The crews were deployed inside Reid's and we had aerial appliances pumping water above the premises to stop that fire from spreading," he said.
"At one stage, there was an explosion involving gas cylinders inside the Homebase area, which hampered firefighting efforts."At one stage, there was an explosion involving gas cylinders inside the Homebase area, which hampered firefighting efforts.
"But again, all credit to those firefighters - their courage and professionalism resulted in the fire being confined to the Homebase store."But again, all credit to those firefighters - their courage and professionalism resulted in the fire being confined to the Homebase store.
"Although, it has been very, very badly damaged.""Although, it has been very, very badly damaged."